Zoos play into hands of wild animal poachers

Re: “Monkeys Find Homes in San Diego, Other Zoos,” May 8

Do San Diego Zoo officials really think that informed readers believe the “rescue” of 33 monkeys purchased from a South African pet dealer was solely altruistic? This wasn’t a rescue; it was a kidnapping.

The zoos that accepted these monkeys contributed to the illegal trafficking of wild animals in an effort to introduce “new blood” into their “inventories.” Are we to believe that poachers will now ignore American zoos as a new source of customers? If the zoos truly cared about the wellbeing of these displaced animals, they would have directed their efforts to keeping them where they belong -- in Africa, not in U.S. zoos.

The zoo industry’s self-serving spin on its involvement in this matter is transparent and disingenuous.

LISA WATHNE

People for the Ethical Treatment

of Animals

Norfolk, Va.